From October 14th to 16th, 2024, the Université Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB) hosted the third Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of our project in Chambéry, France. This meeting allowed the consortium to reflect on the first-year achievements and laid the groundwork for the upcoming mentoring activities. The hybrid format facilitated rich discussions and collaboration among partners.
The meeting began with a review of Year 1 successes, emphasizing the adaptability shown by all partners in achieving key objectives despite minor delays. Partners shared their experiences from the pilot mentoring training sessions, which provided valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the training materials and their alignment with international students’ needs. These insights are shaping the final adjustments to the training guidelines, ensuring they are clear, engaging, and culturally adaptable.
An important focus of the TPM was on fostering collaborations with local stakeholders to support mentoring programs. Partners brainstormed strategies to connect international students with their local communities, discussing activities such as cultural exchanges, storytelling sessions, and workshops that promote mutual understanding and integration. The consortium also aligned on the agenda for the end of the semester, setting clear timelines for the launch of mentoring activities.
This meeting underscored the importance of teamwork and continuous improvement. With the shared commitment of all partners, the project is on track to deliver impactful mentoring programs that empower international students and strengthen their connections with local communities. As Year 2 progresses, the consortium is looking forward to building on this momentum.